Category: Politics

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have submitted their presidential nomination forms at the national secretariat of African Democratic Congress in Abuja, formally advancing their bids ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement shared on social media, Atiku described his candidacy as part of a broader effort focused on national renewal, economic recovery and restoring confidence in governance.

Amaechi, speaking after submitting his form, said the 2027 presidential race should be decided on the basis of competence, experience and performance rather than ethnic or regional considerations. He pledged to improve the country’s economic and governance outlook within four years if elected.

The submissions come as the ADC continues to attract prominent political figures amid ongoing realignments ahead of the next election cycle.

Amaechi also urged voters to assess candidates based on their public service records, citing his previous roles as governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation as part of his leadership experience.

The development signals growing political activity among opposition figures as parties begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

An aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Kaduna North Senatorial District, popularly known as Zone One, Yusuf Bala Ikara, has officially launched his campaign in Zaria, calling for fairness and transparency in the party’s candidate selection process.

Addressing a large crowd of supporters at the zone’s headquarters on Wednesday, Ikara said rural communities were demanding “justice” in how candidates are chosen, whether through consensus arrangements or party primaries.

He said his previous experience as a federal lawmaker gives him the capacity to represent the district effectively.

“I know the job because I was a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ikara and Kubau local government areas for eight years, so I know the job without any doubt,” he said. “I am truly assuring everyone that I am qualified to be a senator to represent the people of Zone One.”

Ikara pledged not to betray the trust of his constituents if elected, urging supporters to remain committed to the party process.

He also encouraged APC members to mobilise at the grassroots level and ensure they obtain their party membership cards, which he said would be required for participation in the nomination process.

According to him, voting in the party’s selection process would take place at ward headquarters across the eight local government areas in the senatorial district, with officials verifying membership before participation.

“We are not criticizing the Kaduna State Government and we respect the Kaduna State Governor as the father of all in Kaduna State and the APC,” he said. “But what everyone is asking for is justice for the rural people in fielding candidates.”

Ikara described Kaduna North Senatorial District as the state’s strongest voting bloc, noting that local government areas such as Zaria, Sabon Gari, Kubau, Ikara, Soba, Lere, Kudan, and Makarfi have consistently delivered high voter turnout in elections.

Speakers at the event, including senior APC figures, business leaders, and retired civil servants from the zone, also urged the administration of Governor Uba Sani to ensure fairness and inclusivity in the party’s candidate selection process.

Kaduna North Senatorial District, widely known as Zone One, remains one of the most politically influential electoral blocs in Kaduna State due to its large voting population across the eight local government areas.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

A frontline governorship aspirant in Plateau State, Jude Dakur, has formally obtained the nomination form of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signalling his entry into the race ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Dakur picked up the nomination form on Tuesday, May 13, 2026, and declared his readiness to participate in the party’s primaries and campaign across the state.

Speaking shortly after obtaining the form, the governorship hopeful expressed confidence in securing the party’s ticket and said his ambition was driven by a desire to reposition Plateau State for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

He pledged to introduce practical measures aimed at tackling insecurity, describing peace and stability as essential foundations for meaningful development.

According to Dakur, his administration would prioritise the welfare of Plateau residents and ensure equitable distribution of resources across the state.

He also highlighted the state’s vast mineral deposits and agricultural potential, noting that both sectors must be properly harnessed to stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods, especially in rural communities.

The aspirant stated that mining and agriculture remain key drivers of Plateau’s economy and should be strategically developed to expand opportunities for citizens.

On mining activities, Dakur said his administration would focus on creating a safer and more regulated environment for both artisanal and professional miners rather than imposing outright restrictions.

He explained that proper regulation, enforcement of safety standards, and support for operators in the sector would help reduce illegal mining activities and related security concerns while improving productivity.

Addressing the issue of insecurity, Dakur said his administration would adopt a multi-dimensional strategy that includes closer collaboration with security agencies, improved intelligence gathering, and support for community-based security initiatives.

He further promised to prioritise youth empowerment programmes, tackle unemployment, and reduce poverty if elected governor of Plateau State in 2027.